Naver announced on the 15th that it will establish a new "tech business" institutional sector on the 19th to strengthen its healthcare business. Naver has appointed Choi In-hyeok, the former Chief Operating Officer (COO), as the head of the tech business institutional sector. Choi has faced criticism for allegedly ignoring workplace bullying incidents that drove victims to extreme choices during his time as COO, leading to his resignation.
Naver stated that the "tech business" institutional sector has "high growth potential, but will seek new business opportunities through the combination of technology and business in regions like India and Spain, where Naver has not focused until now." It also noted that "the goal is to promote business growth by incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) technology into the healthcare sector and making strategic technology investments."
Choi faced criticism from labor unions for allegedly ignoring the bullying of a perpetrator during the workplace bullying incident that occurred at Naver in 2021 and stated he would "take moral responsibility" before stepping down. At the time, a 40-something developer employee chose to end their life due to work-related stress, and claims arose that the deceased had suffered verbal abuse and overwork from executives for a long period, prompting investigations by the Ministry of Employment and Labor and the company.
The company concluded that there were "indications of workplace bullying" based on the investigation results and decided to suspend Choi and the responsible leaders identified as perpetrators. Naver's board of directors stated, "According to the risk management committee's investigation results, some executives engaged in workplace bullying, and it was confirmed that the leadership failed to fulfill their responsibilities in creating a healthy organizational culture," adding that "disciplinary decisions were made for each individual based on confirmed objective facts."
Upon learning of Choi's appointment, labor unions immediately protested. The Naver labor union stated in a position paper that it opposes the return of Choi, the former COO, who bears responsibility for the workplace bullying incident, and said, "We will take all actions possible as a labor union to oppose Choi's return."
The union also condemned, "Recently, the company set up an informal session for some executives to create an explanation opportunity for the former COO," stating that "it is hard to comprehend creating an explanation opportunity for someone not affiliated with the company."
The Naver labor union plans to stage a picketing event opposing Choi's return as new CEO in the lobby on the first floor of the headquarters on the morning of the 19th.
On that day, Naver explained that Choi has "broad experience and understanding in various fields of development, service operation, business, and management, having joined the development management team since the early days of Naver's founding."
It further stated, "In particular, he has led efforts to strengthen search services based on IT technology, enhance service operation efficiency, develop competitive advertising products, secure essential technological capabilities for success in domestic and international business, and uncover new business areas, thereby laying the foundation for the company's growth."
Naver noted, "The company believes it needs leadership with rich experience and expertise to continue successful challenges in new global markets and the healthcare sector, and thus recruited Choi In-hyeok as CEO."